Sublimating

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Sublimate \Sub"li*mate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sublimated}; p.
     pr. & vb. n. {Sublimating}.] [L. sublimatus, p. p. of
     sublimare to raise, elevate, fr. sublimis high: cf. F.
     sublimer. See {Sublime}, a., and cf. {Surlime}, v. t.]
     1. To bring by heat into the state of vapor, which, on
        cooling, returns again to the solid state; as, to


        sublimate sulphur or camphor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To refine and exalt; to heighten; to elevate.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The precepts of Christianity are . . . so apt to
              cleanse and sublimate the more gross and corrupt.
                                                    --Dr. H. More.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Psychology) To redirect the energy (of sexual or other
        biological drives) into a more socially acceptable or
        constructive form.
        [PJC]